Campaign urged to return funds from law firm linked to CCP: ‘Stop being close’

Swalwell’s Campaign Receives Donation from Beijing-Linked Law Firm

Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for governor has recently accepted close to $10,000 from a California law firm with strong connections to the Chinese Communist Party, according to an investigation. The Swalwell campaign reported a donation of $9,999 on December 30 from the PC Dehen Law Firm, based in Pleasanton.

This law firm positions itself as a “Silicon Valley office” and seemingly has just one lawyer, Keliang “Clay” Zhu, who has previously donated $5,000 to Swalwell’s campaign back in November. Zhu, who is also a partner at the law firm, is noted for his contributions exceeding $10,000, and his bio highlights his involvement in facilitating Chinese business investments in the U.S.

The PC Dehen Law Firm has a history, established in the early 1990s as a subsidiary of the Chinese Communist Party’s Ministry of Justice. Although it claims independence, it maintains longstanding cooperative ties with various Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises, having over 20 offices in China.

Zhu’s biography showcases his experience in helping Chinese firms gain a foothold in America, claiming he represented a significant state-owned enterprise in acquiring a majority stake in a Silicon Valley data analytics firm valued at $100 million. He has also facilitated more than $9 billion in investments in sectors like new energy and biopharmaceuticals.

He’s been involved in discussions with U.S. government departments about compliance for Chinese clients. Notably, he represented WeChat users in a successful lawsuit against former President Trump’s attempts to ban the app, raising concerns about Chinese data collection practices.

Zhu is also vocal against state laws designed to thwart foreign land ownership, labeling such regulations as unfair. His opposition includes a Florida law targeting individuals from nations deemed foreign adversaries, like China.

National security experts are increasingly worried about China’s acquisition of farmland and real estate near military bases. Some states, including Texas and Florida, are considering laws to limit these purchases. Zhu has stressed that such legislation creates a stigma for all Asian Americans, citing historical discrimination against them.

Michael Rucci, a China expert, has criticized Swalwell for accepting donations linked to the Chinese law firm. He urges Congress to revise campaign finance rules to consider such contributions as bribes. Rucci argues that Swalwell has a problematic history with China, referencing previous encounters with a suspected spy.

Despite Swalwell’s claims of cutting ties with intelligence officials upon being warned, he faced consequences in the government and was removed from a significant committee due to these past associations. Rucci believes Swalwell should return the funds from Zhu and the law firm to organizations opposing communism.